Ideas for keeping busy and active in retirement

by Judith Eugene

Caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors.

There are many opportunities for Heights seniors to keep active. Volunteering is an option that can benefit both your neighbors and your community. Learn about local opportunities by contacting the Heights Emergency Food Center at 216-381-0707, Meals on Wheels at 216-291-2737, the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging Senior Companion Program at 216-391-9500, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at 800-942-2677, HandsOn Northeast Ohio at 216-432-9390 and many local churches and synagogues.

Seniors Helping Seniors, an in-home care company, hires seniors to work with others seniors who are in need of help. The caregivers are paid for their services, and assist with a variety of tasks to help keep their peers living independently in their homes. No previous experience is necessary, and caregivers in the Heights area are needed. Call 440-759-0319 for information.

Taking a class is another way to stay active. The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center (SAC) offers a variety of classes in many different subjects. There are also several clubs and interest groups you can join. Call the SAC at 216-691-7377 for more information.

Computer classes are a good way to learn how to stay connected with family members. You can also learn how to use the Internet to do your banking or read a book. Tech Deity, a husband-and-wife computer education team, will come to your home to give you one-on-one training. Owner Mely Sato said, “We help seniors embrace technology and the many benefits it offers them.” Call Tech Deity at 440-454-6042.

Other interesting classes and programs may be found by contacting the Case Western Reserve University Lifelong Learning Program at 216-368-2090, the University Heights Library Senior Spot Program at 216-321-4700, and the University Heights Senior Citizen Happenings.

The AARP offers a Driver Safety Program that teaches seniors how to adjust their driving for age-related vision and hearing changes, how medications may affect driving, and how to be more careful on the road. The class may also entitle you to an insurance discount. Contact the AARP at 888-227-7669.

Special-interest clubs are a good way to get out of the house and meet other like-minded people. Contact the Shaker Lakes Nature Center at 216-321-5935, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association at 440-572-0464, or the Cleveland Hiking Club at cleveland.hiker@gmail.com. You might also find or start a local book club, bridge or knitting club, or a support group.

Another opportunity to socialize with others is through the many hot-meal programs in the area. You can enjoy a nutritious lunch and meet new people. Call the SAC for more information.

You can also keep busy by starting a new hobby, or perhaps a project for your descendants. Put together an album of your photographs, labeled with names and dates, research your family genology, or preserve your memoir or family history in writing or on video.

Judith Eugene

Judith Eugene is a native of Cleveland Heights who provides life-enrichment classes and activities for senior adults and those with physical and mental challenges. She can be reached at 216-408-5578 or Judith@LovingHandsGroup.com